The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1887-08-05
SHALL IMMIGRATION BE
RESTRICTED?

The sentiment of restricted immi-
grafton is evidently growing stronger
the inflOwing tide from foreign lands
is creating much uneasiness in many
districts of the country. There has
been wonderful change in our procla.
nation of welcome to all the world to
come to our shores and enjoy here
liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Less than a half century ago the
patriotic newspaper and the lOud-vOiced
orator were won't to declare these
United States the asylum for the op.
pressed and wronged of all nations OF
the old world. and inviting them tc
this free land. The invitation was
gratefully accepted by many thousands
yearly; they came to find protection
and gladly acknowledged the privilege
to become American citizens and be
Obedient to the laws. But how differ.
emit now? Multitudes who come here
from foreign lands are not content
simply to obey law, but where they
have sufficient numbers they band to.
gether and resolve to take the govern.
ment into their own hands, and make
such laws for the people as they deem
proper. The result is, there are vii
lagos and cities where native American
citizens have been set aside, and those
who lately came from foreign countries
have taken their places, and are now
controlling the municipal governments
1t is not strange, therefore, that there
should Do murmurings among citizens
who were born here and educated in
accordance with our institutions
Since the reputation of Know-Noth.
ingism in this country there has been
so far as we know, a liberal policy in
selecting men for Office. irrespective OF
nationality. This is as it should be
no distinction of birth should prejudice
candidate for Office, provided the
requisite qualifications exist. The OBJ.
jections to this incoming tide of for.
eign population are of different kinds
one is, the large per cent of those now
landing ON our shores are an alienated
class, who threaten us with socialistic
dangers. This is comparatively a new
element here, and to this is traced the
late riOtOus disturbances in Chicago
and Milwaukee. The spirit of anarchy
v lich has been so infectious, and now
turks in the cities, has been melted
and fostered by those who came here
from Europe, bringing their mis-.
chieyous doctrines with them. Still ii
is not just to declaim against all for.
eign immigrants, because this danger.
GUS element accompanies the better
classes. Liability of increasing the
burdens of pauperism is urged as a
consequence of excessive immigration
the over-stOcking the market with
laboring men tends to lower the wages
of labor, and to prevent those already
here from obtaining just compensa-
ton for their labor. How the limiting
of immigration can be reached is a
question not easily answered. Differ
ent methods have been proposed, one
of which Is, no immigrant shall be
permitted to land unless he can exhibit
q certificate, signed by the American
consul at the port from which he sail
ed. showing that be possesses the quail
locations which the rule governing the
case may require" This would demand
much consular labor. The question
of immigrant restriction is sure to
come before the next session of Con-
gress, and will not be made a party
measure. Both the great national
parties are favoring it in their conven-
tons.